Ep 10. Becoming Helen Keller

Created by PBS, the television show American Masters features a range of documentaries dedicated to some of the most influential and iconic figures of our time. The 35th season of the show includes an episode named Becoming Helen Keller, which delves deep into the life of the inspirational woman who lost her sight and hearing at a young age and went on to become an accomplished writer, speaker, and activist.

Becoming Helen Keller focuses on the early life of the woman who would go on to become one of the most famous people of the 20th century. Despite her disabilities, Keller overcame adversity to learn to read and write, to attend college, and to become an advocate for the rights of the disabled. The episode provides a firsthand account of Keller's life thanks to archival footage, interviews with experts and historians, and dramatic readings of some of her most famous works.

The episode opens with a look at the life of Keller's parents. Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880, into a family of privilege and wealth. Her father served as a Confederate Officer, while her mother was a devout woman who saw her daughter's disabilities as a punishment from God. Despite this, Keller's parents were determined to provide their daughter with the best care and education possible.

As Keller grew older, her parents enlisted the help of Anne Sullivan, a woman who would become Keller's lifelong companion, teacher, and friend. Sullivan, who was visually impaired herself, developed a unique method for teaching Keller, and together the two women would go on to revolutionize the way that people with disabilities were seen and treated.

The episode traces the trajectory of Keller's life, from her early struggles with communication and socialization, to her academic successes at Radcliffe College, and her work as a writer and political activist in the years following World War II. Through interviews with historians, biographers, and experts in Keller's life, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the woman who went on to become a symbol of hope and perseverance for people all over the world.

Throughout the episode, dramatic readings of Keller's works help to paint a vivid picture of the woman and her experiences. Viewers hear passages from My Life, Keller's autobiography, as well as her famous speeches, essays, and letters. These readings bring to life some of the most compelling and powerful moments of Keller's life, from her first experience with language to her groundbreaking work advocating for women's rights and social justice.

Becoming Helen Keller is a powerful and inspiring documentary that sheds light on the life of one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and dramatic readings, the episode provides a comprehensive and nuanced look at the woman who overcame immense obstacles to become an inspiration to millions. This episode of American Masters is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, disability rights, or the power of human resilience and determination.